Banziri Pygmy in Central African Republic

The Banziri Pygmy have only been reported in Central African Republic
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Pygmy groups have a number of things in common even though they speak separate dialects and live in various countries. They are small, perhaps because of living in the thick canopy of the African rainforest, depriving them of sunlight. There are other theories. They usually face displacement, slavery and even genocide when they come in contact with the settled Bantu peoples of sub-Saharan Africa.

One of the Pygmy groups in the Central African Republic is the Banziri Pygmy population. They speak Ganzi.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Banziri Pygmies are usually hunter/gatherers. Like in other parts of Africa, the Banziri Pygmies are looked down upon by other ethnic groups. This is partly because of their small stature but also because they are viewed as primitive by settled farmers and livestock herders.

On the positive side, they are known for their unique singing abilities and dance. Singing and dancing are communal ways to celebrate a successful hunt.

Men usually hunt while women gather forest produce. Because of limited resources, the Pygmies are usually nomadic. Others have settled and become subsistence farmers like their neighbors. Their way of life is being threatened by mining and logging in their forested homeland.

They tell stories to their children to maintain their traditions.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Though the Banziri Pygmies today have a strong Christian foundation, they also have a pantheistic view of the world. Traditionally they felt linked to the forest, which itself was their god. Out of respect for this god, they would only take what they needed. If a hunt wasn t going well, they would do a ceremonial dance to chase away evil spirits.


What Are Their Needs?

Banziri Pygmies need protection and a chance to learn modern skills. They are often used and abused.


Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to protect the Banziri Pygmies in the Central African Republic.
Pray that the Lord will bless them physically and spiritually.
Pray for them to use their music to teach the ways of Jesus to their children.


Scripture Prayers for the Pygmy, Banziri in Central African Republic.


References

https://www.pygmies.org/
https://globaldiversityhub.com/discover-the-rich-pygmy-traditions-and-culture-of-central-africa-a-journey-into-indigenous-heritage/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Pygmies


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Pygmy, Banziri
People Name in Country Pygmy, Banziri
Natural Name Banziri Pygmy
Alternate Names Banziri Pygmy; Ganzi; Ganzi Pygmy; Yaka
Population this Country 2,400
Population all Countries 2,400
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 5
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 10667
ROP3 Code 101021
Country Central African Republic
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank 27  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Nana-Grébizi and Kémo- prefectures: Border region, scattered.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Central African Republic
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank 27  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Nana-Grébizi and Kémo- prefectures: Border region, scattered..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 28.20 %)
75.00 %
Ethnic Religions
25.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Ganzi
Language Code gnz   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Unknown
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Ganzi
Language Code gnz   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Ganzi

Primary Language:  Ganzi

Bible Translation Status:  Translation Needed

Resource Type Resource Name Source
None reported  
Photo Source Anonymous 
Map Source Anonymous  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.